The Tale of Urashimataro

Urashimataro was a fisherman who did not like to see cruelty to any being. When he saw a

group of children treating a turtle in a cruel manner, he chased them away.

The turtle thanked Urashimataro and asked him to accompany him to his home at the palace

of Ryujin. When they arrived, the turtle told his tale and Ryujin’s daughter was so grateful

towards Urashimataro, that she threw a big feast in his honour and presented him with a

beautiful jewellery box.

Time passed and Urashimataro left the palace to Ryujin to return to his village. Time passes

differently in the palaces of the gods, and Urashimataro was confused when everything had

changed, and he did not recognise anyone. He could not find any of his family, or even his

home. Confused and worried, Urashimataro asked an old woman where his home might be.

She looked at him and told him she had heard of a man with his name, but he had

disappeared whilst at sea and never returned.

Feeling even more confused, Urashimataro opened the jewellery box that Ryujin’s daughter

had given him and as he did a mist rose from the box. He was instantly change into an old

man as once he was back on land, the missing years caught up with him. At the bottom of

the box, was a single feather. With his old finger, he gently touched the feather and was

transformed into a beautiful crane, which is a symbol of happiness. Urashimataro took flight

and left the village for ever, returning the Ryujin’s palace.